09/03/10
Chwarae Teg inspires women on International Women's Day
Over 150 south Wales women took the opportunity to be inspired at an International Women's Day event staged by Chwarae Teg Agile Nation as part of its ‘Womenspire' campaign.
The event on Monday March 8th at McArthur Glen, Bridgend, saw speakers including British sporting hero Tessa Sanderson, managing director of GoCompare.com Hayley Parsons and Wales' youngest Assembly Member Bethan Jenkins share the inspirations that have driven them to succeed in their chosen fields.
The event saw women from all walks of life gather together in the atmospheric surroundings of an Odeon cinema screen to hear the speakers' very different personal stories, but themes emerged that were common to them all; the importance of believing in yourself, of having the courage of your convictions and following your dream, whatever it may be.
Tessa Sanderson shared how she first competed at the javelin in school for a silly bet with a bag of chips at stake, how a supportive teacher became her inspiration to succeed, and how a sense of competitiveness was crucial in spurring her on to achieve her athletic potential. At the culmination of her fascinating account, she flashed her Olympic gold medal to the audience, to enthusiastic applause.
"For far too long we have been scared to break down the boardroom doors," said Sanderson, who been appointed to the Olympic Park legacy board, which will be responsible for building a new community in the Olympic Park after the 2012 games in London.
"Sometimes we think we can't win that fight. Well, yes we can. Women are fighters. A lot of women have to fight tough battles and hold their own."
Sanderson, who also helps nurture young sports stars destined for the 2012 games, added: "Women have got to get rid of that self doubt. Confidence, focus, self-belief and competitiveness is key."
Author Charlotte Williams OBE, who is also a lecturer in social policy at the University of Wales, Bangor, shared her experiences of growing up as a black youngster in a predominantly white north Wales community, teenage motherhood and late entry into education in a truly inspirational tale of triumph over adversity and the importance of access to education. Commenting on the importance of supporting fellow women in the workplace she said:
"It's important that whatever walk of life you are in and wherever you are in your career trajectory, you take a look around and take your sisters with you."
‘Womenspire' has been designed to raise awareness of the £12.5m European Social Fund and Welsh Assembly Government-funded Agile Nation project, which addresses gender inequality in employment and career progression by training women and supporting employers to implement flexible working measures.
Katy Chamberlain, chief executive of Chwarae Teg, said:
"International Women's Day is about celebrating the achievements of women and our inspirational speakers provided our audience with food for thought and the inspiration to strive towards their own personal goals.
"Women are not as good at selling themselves which is why through Agile Nation we are helping women to build confidence, skills and self-esteem as well as supporting employers to make the most of the talent available to them."
The event is supported by a social media campaign which uses Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In and an innovative iPhone/iPod touch application to allow women across Wales to share their inspirations.
Check out youtube footage of the event at www.youtube.com/agilenation
